Jury Says Samsung On the Hook for $539M Over Apple Designs

A California jury today decided that Samsung must pay Apple $539 million for copying its smartphone designs. The decision comes after a retrial concerning the amount of damages owed for the 2012 case that found Samsung guilty of infringing on Apple's design patents. A jury in that case initially awarded Apple $1.05 billion, though that amount was later reduced in subsequent appeals and hearings. The courts eventually decided to retry the damages portion of the case, as the original jury was improperly instructed on how to calculate damages. Samsung later paid Apple $399 million in December 2015. If today's award survives appeal, Samsung will owe Apple another $140 million to cover the entire $539 million figure. Apple said it was pleased with the outcome. "We believe deeply in the value of design," said the iPhone maker in a statement. "This case has always been about more than money." Samsung did not immediately say if it will appeal this latest decision, but it did say, "Today's decision flies in the face of a unanimous Supreme Court ruling in favor of Samsung on the scope of design patent damages. We will consider all options to obtain an outcome that does not hinder creativity and fair competition for all companies and consumers." Apple and Samsung eventually settled all outstanding lawsuits and patent fights other than this case.